Liverpool have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund hot-shot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The striker is being eyed up by Manchester City as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero if the Argentine star leaves the Etihad this summer, while Real Madrid have also chased his signature for the last few years. But Jurgen Klopp is determined to take on Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane in the battle for the Gabonese ace, who he signed for Dortmund from St Etienne in 2013. And The Sun claim the German is prepared to fund the raid on his old club by selling misfiring forward Daniel Sturridge to West Ham United.

The Hammers expressed an interest in the England front man during last month’s transfer window, and are expected to try for the 27-year-old again in the summer.

And Klopp would be willing to cash in on the ex-Chelsea and City striker if it meant he could generate the cash to sign Aubameyang, who has scored 101 goals in 167 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit. The 27-year-old is under contract until the summer of 2020, but he has made it clear he sees his future elsewhere.

Speaking to Radio RMC, Aubameyang said: "If I want to go to the next level, I need to leave in summer. But we must see the proposals and if I'm going to play" And despite rival interest from Europe's biggest clubs, Klopp hopes his personal relationship with the striker can help persuade him to move to Merseyside as the Anfield boss plots a renewed tilt at the Premier League title next season.